Fifty-four days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown continues through the franchise’s best players by jersey number.
Today, Feb. 28, the number is 54.
Greg Biekert, No. 54
Greg Biekert is the pick for No. 54 because he combined longevity with steady production in the middle of the Raiders defense. From 1993-2001, he became a full-time starter and a reliable tackler across multiple eras.
Biekert played 144 games for the Raiders with 123 starts. He also finished with 918 total tackles, including 704 solo stops, which is the separator for this number.
Why Biekert gets No. 54
No. 54 has a few solid candidates, but Biekert has the strongest overall Raiders resume. He brought week-to-week consistency, and his tackle volume reflects how often the defense leaned on him.
He also added splash plays. Biekert posted 15.0 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries and three interceptions during his Raiders run.
Draft and background
Biekert was born March 14, 1969, in Iowa City, Iowa. He played at Longmont High School in Colorado before playing at Colorado.
The Los Angeles Raiders drafted him in the seventh round, 181st overall, in 1993. He outplayed his draft slot and turned into a long-term defensive fixture in Silver and Black.
Other notable No. 54s
- Thomas Benson, 1989-1992
- Reggie McKenzie, 1985-1988
- Sam Williams, 2003-2010
- Mike Dennery, 1974-1975
Career check
Biekert built his case with durability and volume, then backed it up with takeaways and forced fumbles. For No. 54, the best Raider is Greg Biekert.
Next up tomorrow: No. 53.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
